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Delaware Fit Factory

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March 3, 2025

Master the Basics: Squats, Push-Ups, and Deadlifts

When it comes to fitness, mastering the basics is the key to building a strong foundation. While flashy movements and high-intensity workouts might grab attention, the tried-and-true fundamentals are what truly drive progress and long-term success. At Delaware Fit Factory, we believe that squats, push-ups, and deadlifts are three of the most essential movements that everyone should learn — and master — on their fitness journey.

If you're just starting out or looking to refine your technique, here's how to perfect these movements and why they matter.

Why the Basics Matter

Squats, push-ups, and deadlifts aren't just gym exercises — they're functional movements that mimic how your body moves in everyday life. Whether you're picking up groceries, getting up from a chair, or pushing a heavy object, these exercises train your body to perform daily tasks more efficiently. Plus, mastering these movements helps prevent injury, improves strength, and lays the groundwork for more advanced exercises down the road.

The Squat: Build Lower Body Strength

Why It Matters: Squats target your legs and core — some of the largest and most powerful muscle groups in your body. They're essential for building strength, stability, and balance.

How to Master It:

  1. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Keep your chest up and core engaged.
  3. Lower your hips back and down like you're sitting into a chair.
  4. Make sure your knees track over your toes.
  5. Go as low as your mobility allows while maintaining good form.
  6. Press through your heels to stand back up.

WATCH A VIDEO HERE

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Knees collapsing inward
  • Rounding your back
  • Lifting your heels off the ground

Pro Tip: If you're struggling with depth or balance, try squatting to a box or chair until your strength improves.

The Push-Up: Upper Body Power

Why It Matters: Push-ups strengthen your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core, making them one of the best full-body exercises you can do without equipment.

How to Master It:

  1. Start in a high plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
  3. Lower your chest to the floor while keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
  4. Press back up, fully extending your arms.

WATCH A VIDEO HERE

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Dropping your hips or arching your back
  • Letting your elbows flare out wide
  • Not going low enough

Pro Tip: If push-ups from the floor are too challenging, start from an elevated surface like a bench or box to build strength.

The Deadlift: Posterior Chain Powerhouse

Why It Matters: Deadlifts strengthen your hamstrings, glutes, back, and core — muscles critical for lifting, carrying, and overall power.

How to Master It:

  1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with the barbell (or kettlebell) over the middle of your feet.
  2. Hinge at your hips and bend your knees to grip the bar.
  3. Keep your spine neutral and engage your core.
  4. Drive through your heels to lift the weight, standing tall at the top.
  5. Lower the weight back down with control.

WATCH A VIDEO HERE

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Rounding your back
  • Lifting with your arms instead of your legs
  • Letting the bar drift away from your body

Pro Tip: If you're new to deadlifts, start with kettlebells or dumbbells to get comfortable with the movement before progressing to heavier weights.

Progress at Your Own Pace

Everyone starts somewhere, and there's no shame in scaling movements to fit your current fitness level. At Delaware Fit Factory, our coaches will work with you to modify exercises and help you progress safely. Whether you're doing bodyweight squats, push-ups from your knees, or kettlebell deadlifts, consistency and proper form will always yield results.

Build Your Foundation with Delaware Fit Factory

Mastering the basics sets the stage for everything else you'll accomplish on your fitness journey. Squats, push-ups, and deadlifts may seem simple, but they're the cornerstone of strength, mobility, and longevity.

Ready to start building your foundation? Book a Free No-Sweat Intro today and let us help you achieve your goals!

Book Your Free No-Sweat Intro Here

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